L.L.Bean Pledges $1 Million to The Trust for Public Land to Create Parks Where They’re Needed Most

New partnership will support the creation of parks and green spaces in high-need communities

Internationally recognized outdoor retailer L.L.Bean, best known for its legendary customer service and high-quality gear and apparel that help to further people’s enjoyment of the outdoors, is proud to announce its partnership with The Trust for Public Land with a $1 million investment to help connect more people to nature. Studies show that 1 in 3 Americans don’t have access to a park or green space within a 10-minute walk from their home. L.L.Bean’s investment will provide funding to help build parks and green spaces where they’re needed most, in support of The Trust for Public Land’s campaign to put a quality park within a 10-minute walk of every person in America. Funding will be distributed annually through the new partnership and will be given to up to five worthy community projects across the nation each year.

“At L.L.Bean, we’ve always been about trying to get more people outside, whether it’s a paddle down a remote river or a hike on a nearby neighborhood trail,” said Shawn Gorman, L.L.Bean’s Executive Chairman and great-grandson of L.L.Bean. “The Trust for Public Land shares in this mission with the great work they do to create green spaces, as well as preserve those that already exist. We’re very proud to be partnering with The Trust for Public Land to promote our common goals of improving access to the outdoors for all.”

On October 10th, The Trust for Public Land is leading the first-annual National Walk to a Park Day, a day of celebrating the parks we have and advocating for the parks we need. The event encourages people to take a break and take a walk to enjoy a nearby park or green space.

“Everyone deserves a great park within a 10-minute walk of home,” said Diane Regas, President and CEO of The Trust for Public Land. “With this support, L.L.Bean is helping communities ensure that every person—no matter their background, income, or zip code—has access to great outdoor experiences right where they live.”

About L.L.Bean, Inc.

L.L.Bean, Inc. is a leading multichannel merchant of quality outdoor gear and apparel. Founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, the company began as a one-room operation selling a single product, the Maine Hunting Shoe. Still family owned, Shawn Gorman, great grandson of Leon Leonwood Bean, was named Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2013. While its business has grown over the years, L.L.Bean continues to uphold the values of its founder, including his dedication to quality, customer service and a love of the outdoors. In the past five years, L.L.Bean has donated over $6 million toward conservation and land stewardship. L.L.Bean currently operates 40 stores in 17 states across the United States, along with 27 stores in Japan. The 220,000-sq. ft. L.L.Bean retail store campus in Freeport, ME, is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and welcomes more than 3 million visitors every year. L.L.Bean can be found worldwide at www.llbean.com, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.

About The Trust for Public Land

The Trust for Public Land creates parks and protects land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come. Millions of people live within a ten-minute walk of a Trust for Public Land garden, park or natural area, and millions more visit these sites every year. Visit The Trust for Public Land at www.tpl.org, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.